Derek Luh, the multifaceted American hip-hop artist, songwriter, and actor, takes on the role of Jordan Li, the male form of a bigender character in the 2023 TV series ‘Gen V.’ Jordan, a student at Godolkin University, shares their female form, portrayed by Korean-American actress London Thor. In a recent interview with Variety, Luh delved into the unique experience of collaborating with Thor in depicting the multifaceted character.
Similarities and Differences in Portrayal
Luh expressed gratitude for the remarkable chemistry he shares with London Thor, emphasizing their both similar and distinct qualities that enrich Jordan’s character. He elaborated, “We got so fortunate that me and London are so similar and so different, which I think is beautiful for Jordan because what we really wanted to show was, in Jordan’s male form, I’m a little more reserved, a little less confident, less confrontational.”
The Mask and the Open Wound
He continued, “And in Jordan’s female form, they have more swag and are a little more punk rock and a little more confrontational and have that dry humor. The way we describe it is that the female Jordan is the mask that we wear. And then when we’re in our male form, that mask is off and it’s like an open wound.” This nuanced portrayal adds depth to the character’s gender identity and the complexities they navigate.
Romance Dynamics Explored
Luh shared insights into Jordan’s romantic journey in the series, particularly their budding relationship with Marie Moreau, portrayed by Jaz Sinclair. He noted, “For me and London, we discussed how Jordan was a little more uncomfortable in our female form because we didn’t know if Marie liked us in our female form.” This uncertainty reflects the character’s authentic journey.
Portraying Vulnerability and Affection
The actor further revealed the thought process behind the portrayal, saying, “You see most of the kissing and intimate scenes in the male form because we think that’s what she wants. In Episode 5, we talk about how our first girlfriend only wanted us to be in our male form. So I think we played it like London in her female form is very cautious about being too forward with that, and then in Jordan’s male form, I was definitely more vulnerable and more open to showing Marie affection.”
‘Gen V’ Synopsis and Availability
‘Gen V’ offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, set in the world of ‘The Boys.’ As the synopsis reads, “Young, aspiring heroes have their physical and moral boundaries put to the test while competing for Godolkin University’s highly coveted top ranking. When the university’s dark secrets come to light, the students must come to grips with what type of heroes they are going to become.” ‘Gen V’ Season 1 is now available for streaming on Prime Video.
Derek Luh’s portrayal of Jordan Li exemplifies the depth and authenticity brought to the character’s exploration of gender and relationships in this intriguing series.